The 2024 Fresh Connect Business Coaching Program will focus on small-to mid-scale crop and livestock farmers in Eastern Iowa who primarily participate in direct and wholesale market channels. Farmers must have been in business for between one and six years and plan to continue farming. Applicants should be dedicated to creating or improving their business and marketing plans while engaging with the specific course offerings outlined in the curriculum below. Applicants who will benefit most from the program should have the following training and business goals:
An interest in diversifying/scaling up direct and wholesale market channelsAn interest in updating their farm business strategiesStable, existing location for farm operations
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In addition to the above criteria, applicants must demonstrate an interest in developing a supportive learning community throughout the course of the program. Fresh Connect is designed to be a “coworking cohort” that collectively brainstorms, problem-solves, and supports each other in learning and achieving goals. All eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, especially those who have been marginalized by society due to race, color, religion, gender, gender nonconformity, sexual orientation, national origin, language, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Iowa Valley RC&D will provide verbal interpretation and translated materials to ensure individuals with limited English proficiency have meaningful access to the program.
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Six, two-hour farm business coaching sessions (see curriculum below)
A supportive community of farmers and farm educators
Free access to the Farm Commons library and other educational resources
Free professional farm/farmer photoshoot and branding guide
A $2,000 stipend to invest in marketing and management systems for their farm business
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Throughout the course of the program, participants should expect to spend 12-16 hours participating in class sessions, 15-20 hours working on individual tasks outside of group sessions, and 4-6 hours developing brand and marketing materials with IVRC&D staff.
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Fresh Connect was made possible through a federally-funded USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant.
